Defensive motorcycling is a crucial skill for riders to develop and strive to maintain on every ride. It involves anticipating potential hazards, making safe decisions, and taking proactive measures to avoid collisions.

Rider error and inattention can cause collisions, but failing to implement defensive riding techniques can mean that a rider can get caught up in collisions caused by others. Needless to say, bikers often come off worse in crash situations, so riding defensively is a matter of self-preservation on today’s busy roads.

With a good attitude and a well-maintained motorcycle, the inclusion of defensive motorcycling skills can greatly improve rider safety and enhance the enjoyment of motorcycling.

Observation and hazard awareness:

• Constant scanning: Continuously scan the road ahead, to the sides, and behind you. Look for potential hazards like moving vehicles and other road users, potholes, debris, oil spills and animals in the carriageway.
• Mirror checks: Regularly check your mirrors to monitor traffic around you. Being aware of potential hazards to all sides will help to keep you in a “safety bubble” clear from the errors of other road users.
• Blind spot checks: Perform "lifesaver" checks over your shoulder before changing lanes or making manoeuvres.

Positioning:

• Lane positioning: Position yourself strategically within your lane to improve visibility and create a safety buffer.
• Filtering: When filtering through traffic do so cautiously. Keep your speed low and ensure you can stop safely when needed.

Overtaking:

• Assess risks: Only overtake when it's safe and necessary. Consider factors like visibility, the speed of traffic, and the road conditions. When overtaking, you and your bike are in the direct path of oncoming vehicles, so never take chances that put you in harm’s way.
• Clear view: Ensure you have a clear and unobstructed view of the road ahead before overtaking and check what’s also happening behind you. Consider any hidden hazards such as obscured junctions.
• Safe distance: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle you're overtaking. If you have any doubt about being able to complete the manoeuvre safely, don’t do it.

Cornering:

• Assess the bend: Correctly assessing the severity of the bend is essential for your safety.
• The principles for safe cornering: Your motorcycle must be in the correct position on the approach; travelling at the right speed; in the correct gear for the speed; and you should be able to stop on your own side of the road in the distance you can see to be clear.
• Slow in, faster out: Reduce speed before entering a corner and gradually accelerate as you exit.
• Smoothness: Avoid sudden movements or braking while cornering.

Adverse conditions:

• Weather: Adjust your riding style based on weather conditions like rain, snow, fog or wind. Reduce your speed and increase braking distance to maintain safety.
• Road surface: Be particularly cautious on wet, icy, or uneven surfaces. Tyre grip will become reduced making skidding more likely. Be aware that even in the summer rain can make road surfaces particularly slippery after a long dry spell.

Being visible:

• Do all that you can to make yourself more visible: Wear bright clothing; use headlights during the day; position yourself where others can easily see you; approach junctions with caution and don’t assume that others have seen you.

Remember, defensive riding is an ongoing process. Continuously practise these techniques and strive to improve your awareness and decision-making skills on the road.

We’re never too old to learn, so visit the courses page for a list of Welsh Government funded opportunities to improve your riding.

Stay safe!